The season of Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on what we have to be grateful for. Our sermon this past Sunday by Jon Porter was from the book of Luke. I think when I was reading this passage on my first journey of reading through the Bible, I failed to look deeper into this scripture to capture what our pastor brought to us. I’m excited to bring this message to you all.
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
When he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud. Voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him — and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, “We’re not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him. “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” — Luke 17:11-19
Why did only one of the men return? What was different about him? Yes, he was a Samaritan who were detested by the Jews. Did the other men take it for granted that they would be healed? Did Jesus feel like the 9 took him for granted?
There’s actually more to unpack here than I realized. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling. It heals us and transforms our hearts, reminding us of God’s goodness. It’s not something that we’re born with. Our parents teach us to say “thank you” when someone gives us a gift or does something for us. We are not grateful by nature.
Gratitude restores our relationship with God. Leprosy was not only a death sentence, but also a social stigma that required a leper to pronounce their illness to anyone who was near them.
In the same way, if we don’t admit our sin, it isolates us from restoration. We’re never able to truly get past it.
Lifestyles or politics may separate us, in way similar to the Samaritan. But we need to thank God for who he is. Do this even if there’s nothing you want to ask him for. Just be grateful for who he is!
Gratitude heals fractured relationships and transcends divides even around a Thanksgiving table.
Who in your life needs to hear your gratitude? Gratitude transforms hearts.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.— 1 Thessalonians 5:18
When we believe that God is who he says he is we trust that he’ll do what he says. We can have faith that no matter what our circumstances are at the moment, things will not stay the same forever. God’s got a plan and will work things out for the good of those who love him.
How do we live out gratitude that heals?
Turn praise back to God. Thank him for specific, simple blessings. One thing with intentional actions.
- * Use words to heal a relationship. Make a phone call to someone you haven’t spoken to in years.
- * Your gratitude is not for them – it’s for you.
- * Be proactive. Take the first step.
- *Reframe your challenges. Provision is hiding in plain sight
Thanks for reading. I pray that you feel the love God has for you and that you let him know what you’re grateful for today.
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 